The same chemicals and receptors that control the sensation of pain in the opioid system also play a role in regulating social behavior. The body produces natural opioid substances which are drawn to receptors throughout the nervous system, sending signals through neurons that induce pain relief, pleasure, and more. Low-dose morphine and buprenorphine that attach to the mu (μ) opioid receptors (MORs) could help promote social interactions, which could help people with neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that affect social interactions.

Kyoto, Japan -- The fuzzy and adorable otter has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years. These aquatic mammals are friendly, playful, and make cute cooing sounds, so their social media stardom seems only natural.

Sadly, this enthusiasm for otters has a dark side: they are targets for smuggling. In Japan, their popularity has raised demand for them as pets and as featured species at exotic animal cafés, making Japan one of the most prominent destinations for captive otters with ambiguous origins.

Asian small-clawed otters -- the species most common at Japanese zoos and cafés -- are native to South and Southeast Asia. They are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red list and their international trade for commercial purposes is prohibited. Yet they continue to be captured and smuggled into Japan, with Thailand as the main source of this illegal trade.